It was a tale of two halves for the No.3-ranked Queen's (4-1) women's rugby team as they suffered a 48-7 defeat at the hands of the No.2 Guelph Gryphons (5-0) in a battle of two of the best in the nation.

GAME FLOW
The game started off with both teams digging in their heels defensively and much of the play took place near mid-field with neither team able to break through the strong defensive play. The Gryphons were the first to break through as the undefeated Shiels division leaders broke through the Gaels for a try and successful conversion. They went right at Queen's once more and put up a 14-0 lead mid-way through the opening half.

The Gaels continued to challenge the Gryphons, a team who had yet to allow a try to an opponent all season, and Queen's broke through. It was Emma Chown (Barrie, Ont.) who took a pass on the wing and hit the sidelines breaking through tackles and busting through tacklers finding pay-dirt as she put the ball down for a try. Lauren McEwen (Wasaga Beach, Ont.) stepped up and sent a successful kick through for a conversion cutting the Gryphon lead in half to 14-7.

Just before the halftime whistle blew Guelph broke through for their third try of the match and after the successful conversion the halftime whistle went and the Gryphons led 21-7.

In the second half Guelph took control, first they scored on an early try to open the gap to 25-7 and finished off the Gaels from there taking a 48-7 victory.

The Gryphons secure themselves a first place finish in the Shiels division while Queen's will fall to second place behind McMaster.

FINAL SAY?
"There is always a lesson in a loss that you can't get any other way, so if we are going to learn that lesson today is a chance to do that. It's before playoffs start and we now have a chance to regather and refocus." - Beth Barz, head coach

BY THE NUMBERS
2 - Of the top teams in the nation as Queen's came into play at No.3 and Guelph at No.2
12 - Tries on the season for Emma Chown
10 - Total number of points given up by Guelph this season
2011 - The last time Guelph lost a regular season match to an opponent